How to have a successful recovery after getting a thigh lift

In order to have a short recovery process after having a thigh lift, there are several stages that patients need to go through.

While many individuals are frustrated with stubborn fatty deposits of their thighs, there are more serious aesthetic problems than just extra fat that can happen in the thigh area and these issues occur more often than most individuals realize. Problems like lax, poor thigh contour, hanging skin, a disproportionate overall appearance, and stubborn fat that just won’t respond to traditional ways of weight loss (like diet and exercise) can be extremely irritating and embarrassing for individuals who deal with them. Lax, sagging skin naturally happens after massive weight loss or as we grow older. These parameters can cause the skin to lose elasticity, making it unable to retract and tighten as it would normally do. Skin that will not retract drapes and hangs will hide normal contours and muscle tone of the body. That is why, for tackling these types of issues, surgery is often the only effective solution which plays a significant role in enhancing the appearance of the thighs.

 

What is a thigh lift?

A thigh lift (thighplasty) is a thigh reshaping operation that can resolve sagging skin, fatty deposits, and improve the overall appearance of the thighs. The operation can address either inner thighs or outer thighs, and sometimes both depending on the severity of the problems and patients’ expectations. While some individuals seek cosmetic enhancement of the thighs with liposuction to eradicate excess fat, It’s important to know that a thigh lift is a different operation altogether. Indeed, it addresses every aspect of the thigh’s aesthetics including skin, fat, and overall shape.

Thighplasty takes about two hours and is typically performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Incisions for this surgery can vary greatly, so a surgeon will consult with the candidates to ensure incisions are made in the most effective manner for each case particularly. 

 

Different types of thighplasty

Major kinds of thigh lift include inner thigh lift, bilateral thigh lift and medial thigh lift.

As the name implies, an inner thigh lift focuses on the inner thigh, while a bilateral thigh lift focuses on tightening skin on the front and outside of the leg. In the very beginning of the procedure, surgeons make an incision at the top of the leg, about where the lower edge of a bikini bottom or underwear would be. A small amount of skin is removed and then the remaining skin is pulled up, which tightens the skin along both sides of the leg. This operation is usually carried out after someone has lost a great deal of weight.

A medial thigh lift tightens skin and fat on the upper part of the inner thigh. An incision is made from the groin back to the crease of the buttock. The skin is then lifted and excess fat and skin will be removed to improve the appearance of the upper, inner thigh.

For a thighplasty, the surgeon will first mark the thighs before surgery while the patient is standing. In all types of thighplasty, the incision is sutured shut with deep stitches to ensure that there is no sagging after the incisions completely heal. The scar from the surgery is hidden in the groin crease, beneath the bikini line. Therefore, patients do not need to worry about the visibility of the incision. During the procedure, drains are put in place that allows excess fluid to drain after surgery. The drains are usually removed after several days.

If the outer thigh is to be targeted, thighplasty might sometimes include lifting the entire thigh and buttock (circumferential lower body lift). This procedure requires longer incisions than thighplasty, but surgeons try their best to meet the patients’ needs and help them achieve their desirable outcomes.

It’s significant to note that If there is an excessive amount of fatty tissue, a liposuction may be performed before a thighplasty. Undoubtedly, this alternative will be discussed only if both patients and doctors approve. In some cases, after several months, patients may intend to have a liposuction as well. Doctors may then decide to perform it considering the patients’ overall health condition.

Considering all the above-mentioned points, it’s crystal clear that thigh lift is a highly complex procedure and must be carried out by a specially-trained plastic surgeon. During the last decade, Iranian specialists have become so popular in doing these surgeries particularly thigh lift since they perform many operations successfully every year. They have extensive knowledge and invaluable experience specially in this field. Besides, thigh lift cost in Iran is so low. Thus, if you decide to get thighplasty in Iran, you can save a significant amount of money and obtain your desired goals at the same time.

 

On the Day of Surgery

The thigh lift operation is usually carried out under a general anesthetic. When you wake up afterwards, you might feel sore in the thigh area when walking. Mostly, you will be permitted to go home the same day.

what to do on the day of thigh lift surgery


According to the nature of the thigh lift operation, you should prevent driving for ten days after the surgery. Therefore, ff you have a thigh lift, it’s important that someone who picks you up on the day of operation to take you home. It’s also better to have someone on hand to help take care of you for at least the first few days following the procedure.

 

The First Few Weeks after Surgery

Your surgeon will typically place drains in your incision sites to help fluids drain and to reduce swelling. As well as this, you might be fitted with a compression garment, which usually has to be worn for several weeks. The compression garment protects your incisions and provides support for your body as it heals gradually.

In the first week after the operation, it’s natural to experience some pain in the thigh area. You’ll also see bruising and swelling around the incision sites which will fade away as time goes by. Mostly, the pain can be controlled with oral pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. 

One of the most important things to know about recovery is that it’s essential to be very cautious when moving, specially during the first two weeks. Due to the fact that your incisions are in the thigh area, they’re subject to tension and pulling when you stand up, sit, stand up, bend, walk. This means that it’s often necessary to limit your activity for the first weeks.

 

In general, if you follow your medical team’s instructions carefully, you will have a short recovery and healing process.

 

Managing the Risk of Blood Clots in Lift Recovery time

It is crucial to keep in mind that some level of activity is needed to decrease the risk of blood clots. While the high-impact movement is best prevented, there are a couple of measures that can be helpful in decreasing the clot risk, namely calf exercises (heal-toe movements and muscle-flexing) and compression stockings.

 

Calf exercises can be performed while you are lying down or sitting. Remember not to put tension on the operated area because they may affect the healing of your incision and lengthen the recovery process.

Lastly, though, the best way to avoid blood clots is to get up; get walking, and get moving. Before doing any activity, it’s better to consult with your surgeon to make sure that no problem will be caused.

 

Following Your Doctor's Advice

Following this and taking some special precautions can help you recover safely and quickly. Some of the most important instructions that are usually given by surgeons are mentioned below:

  • Take antibiotics and other medications as directed.

  • Minimize movement according to your surgeon’s instructions, perform exercises, or walk as recovery allows, to decrease blood clot risk.

  • If you have a compression garment, use it 24/7 or as instructed. Most individuals who wear a compression garment may need it for three to four weeks.

  • Try to be on a low-sodium diet to help decrease swelling, and include plenty of fiber-rich foods to help you prevent straining during bowel movements.

  • As you start to resume usual activities, be careful about overdoing it. Watch out for swelling. If the swelling around your incisions begins to increase, it’s a clear sign that you have to limit your activity level generally.

  • Strenuous activities or high-impact such as running and heavy lifting should be prevented for at least six weeks.

  • Do not allow sun exposure to the scars for at least the first three months, to avoid irritation and possible skin discoloration.

 

Your doctor might also provide you with some specific care instructions, such as care of your drains and incisions, and when to take the prescribed medications. Whatever your surgeon’s instructions are, be sure to follow them exactly, to enhance your recovery experience and shorten your thigh lift recovery time.

 

Week One; Follow-Up Visit

One week after your surgery, you may see your doctor for a follow-up visit. If any pads or bandages were used during the recovery process, they will be eradicated. Any drains placed in the incisions will be removed as well.

This visit provides you with the opportunity to see the results of your procedure clearly. At this point, there will still be bruising and swelling, but you are able to see that there’s a considerable change in how your thighs look. Most individuals will find that their thighs already have newer, slimmer silhouettes, even if there is still plenty of swelling in the area.

Typically, additional follow-up visits are not needed. However, if you feel unwell, or your incisions show signs of infection, it’s essential to see your surgeon.

 

One to Two Months following Surgery

At this time, much of the swelling in the thigh area must have gone down, and the incisions will be healed fully. Nonetheless, the scars may be quite prominent, ranging in color from red to purple. These scars would start to disappear after two or three months. Besides they are usually placed in a way that they can be easily hidden beneath underwear and swimsuits.

Most individuals will resume their usual activity levels by the end of week six. However, this highly depends on the kind of operation involved, the severity of the problem, and how well your recovery has carried on so far. If you’ve been having trouble with swelling, for instance, your surgeon might advise you to continue limiting your activity level.

Swelling will continue to decline over the next several months. In most cases, it takes up to six months for swelling to completely subside.

 

One Year following surgery

By this time, most candidates have made a full recovery, with swelling gone completely, and they are enjoying their new, slimmer shaped thighs. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to remember that the results of a thigh lift are partly dependent on maintaining a stable weight. Further weight loss might lead to more sagging skin, while a weight gain might increase the size of your thighs.

At the one-year mark scarring has considerably faded, although your scars won't disappear completely. The incision scars might continue to fade over time, but this isn’t 100% predictable, and for some individuals, the scars can remain more vivid in color. All in all, the better skin tone and elasticity you have, the less obvious your scars will be.

 

Undoubtedly, the recovery process for a thigh lift might vary depending on the type of operation you need; an outer thigh lift, an inner thigh lift, or both. In general, all patients need to take it easy for the first couple of weeks and rest for a while. In this case, they will be permitted to go back to their normal life and do their routine activities after a month or at most six weeks. Based on what patients usually share with their medical team after undergoing this surgery, a thigh lift can be an invaluable opportunity to enhance the appearance of your limbs. By paying attention to the changes that gradually happen during your thigh lift recovery, your self-confidence will be boosted to a great extent and you will enjoy your appearance more than before. By following your surgeon’s instructions, you will obtain what you want with no worries at all in a short period of time.